Letters | Why the death of a Chinese billionaire sparked public mourning

Readers discuss the reaction to the passing of the founder of Wahaha Group, and the slaughter of donkeys for an in-demand product in China

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People pay their respects and place bouquets outside the headquarters of Wahaha following the death of its founder Zong Qinghou, in Hangzhou in eastern China’s Zhejiang province on February 26. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:30am, 7 Mar 2024

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Last week, the news that Zong Qinghou, founder of Hangzhou-based beverage giant Wahaha Group, had passed away at the age of 79 was much discussed in mainland China. Zong founded Wahaha in the 1980s and expanded it. In 1996, the company’s cooperation with the world-renowned beverage company Danone Group began, although that ended in 2009.

The seemingly ordinary obituaries of a well-known local entrepreneur unexpectedly sparked a strong outpouring of grief from Chinese society. In a rare tribute for an entrepreneur, people laid flowers and paid their respects at the company’s headquarters, a gesture usually reserved for disasters or accidents. One reason for this collective mourning is that for many Chinese, Wahaha products are firmly associated with memories of their youth and especially of the 1990s. Most grew up with the company’s soft drinks, still popular today.

Another reason is Zong’s commitment to industrial development, leading the company to focus on the beverage and drinking water industry. Wahaha grew from a small business into a billion-dollar Chinese company without an initial public offering. In an era in which many Chinese companies rush to go public, this down-to-earth approach garnered respect.

Additionally, Zong lived a frugal life despite being one of the richest men in China. His humble demeanour during social and media events was looked upon favourably.

Recently, Zong Fuli, his daughter and successor, has been the focus of attention. Successors to the leaders of successful private companies in China tend to be scrutinised. The uncertainty lies in whether the second-generation wealthy have the ability to carry on the legacy of their parents. While most are portrayed negatively, Zong Fuli is seen as capable.